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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/16/1993 City Council 00486 , MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 16, 1993 The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on the 16th day of August, 1993, at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Present Mike Lynch, Councilman Absent (arrived 7:20) Toby Pollard, Councilman Absent (arrived 7:15) Joe Agnew, Councilman Present Tom Bogan, Councilman Present John Dillard, Councilman Absent Joel Marks, Mayor Pro-tern Present and with four present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 7:06 p.m. Council retired to Executive Session 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY ARTICLE 6252-17, V.A.C.S., SECTION 2E REGARDING LITIGATION, TO-WIT: STRATI'ON VS CITY OF THE COLONY, ET AL Councilmen Lynch and Pollard arrived while the council was in Executive Session. 7:27 p.m. Council reconvened in Open Session, with no action to be taken regarding the Executive Session, the following items were addressed: 3. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS TO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DRAINAGE CREW Mayor Manning and Tom Cravens presented Certificates of Service to Jesse Ledesma, Sherrill Wilson and Philip Buchheister for their work on the Sutton Drainage ditch project. 4. RECEIVE PRESENTATION FROM P.H.G.A. REGARDING THE PROPOSED DRIVING RANGE Chip Jones, representing P.H.G.A. gave a presentation to the council regarding the driving range his company proposes to put in on the 12 1/4 acres west of 423 where the old animal shelter was located. Mr. Jones said the range will offer a full pro shop, eating 00486'i facility, teaching area and 7 target ranges, going on to say the range will be first class and very competitive with area ranges. Mr. Jones introduced company president, Laura Allison, associate Greg Vines, and his wife, Mrs. Janie Jones. Councilman Marks asked about lights and music disturbing neighbors. Mr. Jones assured the council that the lights will not be directed at the neighboring homes and that they will not be strong enough to be a nuisance, and that the only music will be through a P.A. system but will not be very loud. Councilman Lynch asked if the company plans to expand to a full golf course, and Mr. Jones said they would like to, noting that a portion of the Corps of Engineers land may be available for 9 to 18 holes. Councilman Marks asked how the course on Wynnewood Peninsula is progressing and what effect it will have on the range. Mr. Hall said that the owner, John Young has 5 million dollars of the 7 million dollar course in hand, noting that updated drawings are in the lobby which include housing in the area. Mr. Jones said his range will be accessible to the whole community and the Wynnewood range will be used primarily by persons using the whole course, going on to say the golf course will not be as accessible as the range and that P.H.G.A. is all for the course being built. Councilman Agnew asked if P.H.G.A. will work with the schools for golf classes. Mr. Jones said yes, they hope to provide a full teaching facility, going on to say they plan to work with the City Parks & Recreation Department as well. 5. RECEIVE PRESENTATION FROM THE SAIL FAIR COMMITTEE REGARDING ENTRY FEES INTO STEWART CREEK PARK Meg Harrison, Co-Chairman of Sail Fair stated that Debbie Morris, Chairman of Entertainment has arranged to have Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rusty Weir and other name entertainers appear at Sail Fair, as an end of their Summer Concert Tour. Due to these appearances, an entry fee will be charged to persons entering the park. Children under 12 will be admitted free, as will those persons holding a season pass to the park. The fee is being kept at $5.00 and the city will be reimbursed for lost revenue during that time. Ms. Harrison went on to say extra security will be provided this year by the Texas State Guard. She noted all cities on the lake have been challenged again this year for the Mayor's race, stating Frisco won last year. 6. RECEIVE PRESENTATION REGARDING CYCLE BILLING FOR UTILITY BILLS Jackie Carroll, Utility Department Office Manager, using overheads gave a presentation to the council regarding the upcoming change to cycle billing for water bills. Ms. Carroll stated this will improve the utility billing processing system, noting the conversion will be gradual and systematic to help residents become accustomed to the change. Ms. Carroll said all residents will be individually notified on the change which is scheduled to take place over the next three months. Ms. Carroll stated that this system will not only provide better service to the customers, but will provide a more even work load for utility employees. ----. 4 004860 Councilman Marks asked if due dates will change and Ms. Carroll said they might, but it will happen gradually over the 3 month period. Councilman Agnew asked if we would assist those persons who have a problem adjusting to the new schedule due to financial constraints. Ms. Carroll said if people come in and request assistance the city will work with them. Mr. Hall agreed, stating that the city realizes this may cause some problems during transition. Councilman Bogan asked if anymore thought had been given to offering average monthly billing. Ms. Carroll said it can be done, but not on the present system. Councilman Bogan noted this was in the goals document and he would like to see more information on it. 7. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED 1993-94 MUNICIPAL BUDGET Motion to open the public hearing - Agnew, second - Bogan. All Ayes Susan King, 5013 Aztec Drive, noted there is no provision for more employees in the Parks & Recreation Department, stating the field crew is stretched to the maximum. Ms. King said the Athletic Director position needs to be reinstated, either full time or part time. Robert Allen, 4125 Driscoll, a baseball coach asked if the driving range just talked about is for the kids. Mr. Allen said the Little League Association helps to maintain the fields and the city doesn't help at all. Mr. Allen said the council needs to give the Parks & Recreation Department some money for field maintenance so the kids have a safe place to play. Ken Stiles, 5328 Yager, president of The Colony Little League said the league spends about $2000.00 each year to maintain the fields, noting the Parks & Recreation Department does as good a job as they can, but they (P & R) need more mowers and people, reminding the council, this is for the children. Eric Friend, 7077 Fox, second vice president of The Colony Youth Soccer Association said the fields are not adequate and not safe, stating the council needs to think about better facilities for the kids to play in all sports. J.T. Spears, Reed Drive, representing Little League said he has worked with the Parks & Recreation crews often and that he knows times are tough, going on to say he has seen city workers come out on their own time. Mr. Spears said last spring a lighting pole came down and there was no money to replace it, going on to say he believes the whole system needs to be inspected. He said metal poles cost more but they will last longer, stating there is a potentially serious situation at the softball complex. Bruce Reeves, 4128 Caldwell, addressed the council regarding street maintenance, stating he has called several times in the last year and a half for repair to the street in front of his house, where water stands constantly, becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and preventing parking in front of his house. Mr. Reeves said he was told there is no money to make the repair and that maybe in two years it can be addressed. Mr. Reeves said that for safety and convenience the council needs to put money in the budget so that when citizens call for repairs they can be done. 5 Joyce Fulco, 4712 Clover Valley, said there need to be two signs placed on Clover Valley, on each end, that state the speed limit at 20 mph and that state "Dangerous Curve". Ms. Fulco said there have been several accidents over the last 17 years. She also requested that a police officer be placed on the street before and after school. 10. CITIZEN INPUT Robert Allen, 4125 Driscoll, said he has been a citizen of The Colony for 8 years, and that he is tired of seeing trash, weeds and tall grass all over the city, asking why we can't keep our city clean. Mr. Allen said the city needs a contractor that can keep up with the mowing and asked how long it takes the city to get the lawn mowed at an abandoned house. Bill Hall advised the process usually takes anywhere from 10 - 25 days. Mr. Allen also cited residences that need attention: 4252 Caldwell, 4132 Caldwell, 4113 Driscoll nd 4244 Driscoll, stating there needs to be a push for clean up of the city. Larry_ Hall, 4849 Alta Oaks Ct. spoke about the recycling program advertisement in The Colony Leader, stating it seems there are to many "don'ts", going on to say that maybe he doesn't understand the rules. Bruce Reeves, 4128 Caldwell, spoke regarding lawns in need of cutting, advising he lives next door to 4132 Caldwell and that it took the city 2 months to get it mowed after he called several times. Mr. Reeves said when it was mowed a mess was left by the contractors and he has cleaned it up, going on to say he shouldn't have to do that. Mr. Reeves said that he has generally had problems with responses from the city employees and when they do respond the job is not done very well. Mayor Manning said Mr. Reeves should get the name of unresponsive employees and give it to Mr. Hall or himself. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD AUGUST 2 AND 9, 1993 Motion to approve the minutes as written - Bogan, second Agnew, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. B. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND AWARD OF BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOL SYSTEM AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR SAME Councilman Lynch asked what this is used for and Chief Morrison stated it is to replace a 15 years old piece of equipment (jaws) which is used to get people out of cars, etc. in order to save their lives. Motion to accept the bids and award to Neel Associates as recommended and to approve the ordinance as written - Lynch, second Bogan, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 0048i j C. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT WITH T.U.E. REGARDING THE LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED MINIATURE GOLF COURSE AT BRIDGES PARK Councilman Marks asked how the city is protected if we (city) authorize a contractor or company to do work on the easement and they cause damage. Bill Hall said the concessionaire for the miniature golf course has $500,000. insurance policy which covers such occurrences. Councilman Marks asked if the city is responsible if TUE knocks down part of the golf course structures. Mr. Hall said we are ultimately responsible for everything that happens in the city whether there is an agreement or not, but noted that TUE has worked with the developer on this project and the city would be no more liable in this situation than any other. Councilman Marks suggested a hold harmless clause in our contracts and Mr. Hall advised there is one included. Motion to approve the agreement as recommended - Marks, second Lynch, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. D. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORITY TO CANCEL A CONTRACT WITH MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUREAU Motion to authorize cancelling the contract as recommended - Bogan, second Agnew, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. E. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH JVS FOR WARRANT SERVICE Motion to approve the ordinance as written - Bogan, second Agnew, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 9. CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSALS FOR A CONTRACT TO PROVIDE METER READING SERVICES Mr. Hall reminded the council this was a goal that came out of the retreat held in February. He said 3 proposals were mailed out. Mr. Hall said Bermex is the only company who responded, noting the cost quoted is $.50 per meter for a three year fixed contract price. He went on to say with the current approximate number of meters at 7400, the annual cost will be $44,400. Concluding, Mr. Hall said since we are entering the budget process for the 1993-94 year, he recommends accepting the proposal, but holding off on awarding the contract until more information regarding the upcoming budget is available, and the impact this contract would have on personnel. Councilman Agnew, noted that part of the expected savings by going with this type program would be from attrition. There followed a brief discussion regarding cycle billing, 7 004872 equipment and the possible savings. Mr. Hall said the savings is expected to be approximately $20,000 depending on the approach taken during the budget process. Motion to accept the proposal from Bermex as recommended - Agnew, second Lynch, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS Mayor Manning noted that council committees need to start meeting and that reports will be expected at future council meetings. 12. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 1. As of today, 32 applications for judge have been received. Staff recommends a screening committee be appointed to recommend applicants to the council for interviews. Mayor Manning agreed and appointed the Court Clerk and the Police Chief to serve on the committee. Council generally agreed the committee should pick 10% of the total applicants for them to interview. 2. Tom Cravens and Bob van Til attended a 121 meeting on Friday and although the official completion date is still February 1994, Mr. Cravens said the contractor told him they plan to have all four lanes open from Legacy Drive to Lewisville by October 15, 1993. 3. County Judge Moseley and surrounding cities met regarding funding for libraries and fire services on August 5, 1993. Through interlocal agreements Denton County --" has provided funding for those services to residents outside incorporated areas. It is possible the county will be reducing or deleting that funding due to budget constraints. In 91-92 we received $57,000 for fire services, in 92-93 $52,000, and funding may be reduced substantially or completely for 93-94. The Colony is opposed to reducing the amount, but would rather do away with the funding completely and pursue offering the subscription EMS service to those residents outside our city. Library funding last year was $41,000, this year we project $30,000. Mayor Manning and Mr. Hall met with Commissioner Wilson regarding this and feel it is accurate, however, next year we need to plan to cut all county funding for the library from our budget. No action has been taken by the county as yet, but we need to make our feelings known to the commissioners. With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m. APPROVED: A~/F~T: ~q~x'lI'~am W. M..anning~ Mayor ~ Patti A. Hicks, TRMC, CMC/AAE City Secretary 8